Has the Coronavirus changed the dating landscape?
You’d be forgiven for feeling like we’ve all been transported back in time to the 1940s (or woken up in a Danny Boyle movie). There’s no one out on the streets, there is ongoing uncertainty about what the future holds and people are stressed about rationing their food and supplies. But we do have one thing that they didn't have back then. Sophisticated technology!
At this stage, it’s fair to say that Coronavirushas affected almost every aspect of our daily lives. The good news is, thateach new day brings us one step closer to returning to normality. That said,things won’t return to normal right away and the effects of this global pandemicare likely to be seen for years to come.
As part of this, we’re likely to see a shift inthe dating landscape. There’s no denying that dating during the Coronavirusoutbreak is a strange concept and many are relying on apps, agencies and virtual dates to help them connect with people.While this shift might not last forever, over the next few years we’re going tom see some big changes in the dating world.
More people are looking for love
Our new-found appreciation for companionshipmeans more people are looking for love than ever before. The ongoing lockdownhas meant people are stuck at home with lots more time on their hands and inmany cases no one to share it with. The result has been a spike in peopleregistering for dating apps, sites and agencies.
These numbers are unlikely to drop just becausethe virus has gone – people (particularly those who had to isolate alone) willbe craving human affection and relationships now more than ever. So it lookslike love is going to be on the cards for many people in the coming years, eventhose who may have previously prioritised work, hobbies or their social lifeabove starting a relationship.
People will take their time to look for apartner
In recent years, our lives have become all aboutinstant gratification, being able to access a world of information at the clickof a button or get 100 likes on a photo within the hour. We’re used to results beinginstant and thanks in no small part to dating apps, the dating world became thesame.
Endlessly swiping right or left and receivinginstant matches can feel more of a game than a search for love. In thispost-virus world, it’s likely that we’ll see people letting go of this need forinstant gratification and going back to a more old school approach, takingtheir time to get to know potential partners and building genuine connectionswith them until they find the right person.
Virtual dates will continue
Our need to stay connected with loved ones hasgrown in recent weeks. Can you honestly say that you used to call your parents,friends or partners as often as you do right now? This need to stay connectedhas led to virtual date nights, pub quizzes and family games nights. As such,it’s likely we’ll see people continuing to use virtual dates as a way ofstaying connected with their partners on days when they cannot be together inperson, even after lockdown has lifted and life has returned to normal.
The way we date will have changed
People may also change the way they date. It’sbecoming apparent that places like pubs and restaurants will be some of thelast to reopen. This coupled with our new appreciation for the little things inlife is likely to see couples choosing alternative dates like going for a walkor bike ride, instead just heading straight out for a drink and dinner datelike they may have done in the past.
If this recent pandemic has shown you what’s important in life and you're ready to find love, we’re here to help. While we can certainly start you on your journey to finding the right partner, we also know it’s important that we listen to Government advice. So while lockdown continues we advise that you don't try to meet with someone new and instead make the most of technology, virtual dates and services like ours.Get in touch with our friendly team today.
